In the lean winter of 1775-76, when good generals were as scarce as good
shoes in the Continental Army, John Adams, delegate to the Continental
Congress, picked up his quill, penned an unusual tribute to one of
them. "The Congress have seen such a necessity of an able commander in
Canada, as to destine you for that most arduous service . . . We want
you at N. Yorkwe want you at Cambridgewe want you in Virginiabut